The holiday season is once again upon us. All along the North Fork, specialty shops, quaint boutiques, and local stores are filled with items ranging from chic clothing, accessories and leather goods to unique jewelry and crafts, children’s toys, luxury pet apparel, local wines, gourmet cheeses, and fine chocolates. Make your holiday shopping spree a special celebration by helping to boost the local economy and enjoy the many splendid gifts the North Fork has to offer at holiday time.
In Greenport, holiday shopping takes on an added charm as you enjoy Mitchell Park, featuring the antique carousel, marina, amphitheater, and ice-skating rink all fronting beautiful Greenport Harbor. Walk along Front Street and try on some stylish hats and accessories at Not Just Bows, owned by Maria Thomas. Pick up some new bestsellers at Burton’s Bookstore, celebrating its 25th anniversary under owner George Maaiki. For amazing handmade jewelry visit Blue Ruth, featuring the work of owner Susan Pridham. Wander through Harbor Pet owned by Joe Nelson and give your furry companion a hand-painted bowl or luxurious bed. Explore Kharmah, owned by Linda Gerien, for comfortable women’s clothing made from natural materials.
On the corner of Main Street, continue your shopping experience as you enter Creations By Lisa owned for over 20 years by Lisa Dreitlein, and find trendy Missy, Junior, and children’s wear. Buy fine leather goods for men and women at Di Angela Leather, owned by Patty Carlos. For great kids’ toys, check out Goldsmith’s Toys & Electronics, owned by Kathy Halliwell. Browse at Simply Beautiful Boutique, owned by Mireya Torres, for jewelry, accessories, clothing, and lingerie. Then proceed to the wharf and discover S.T. Preston & Son, established in 1880 by Samuel Truman Preston, offering a variety of nautical merchandise from jewelry to home decor.
Head north on Main Street and delight in nostalgic candy, scrumptious chocolates, and distinctive gifts including picture frames, jewelry, and accessories at Sweet Indulgences, owned for 20 years by Angela Oliveri-Deroski. Pick out local North Fork wines at Claudio’s Wines & Liquors, the longest running spirit shop in the Village. Find decorative Italian hand-painted ceramics and hand-blown Venetian glass at Doofpot, established in 1973 by owners Mary Ann Zovro and Jaap Hilbrand. Go to Taste Boutique, owned by Charles Marks and Lee Rominger, a fashionable shop offering lovely accessories, unusual jewelry, and colorful handbags. Browse through stylish women’s dresses, jewelry, and accessories at Impulse Boutique, owned by Cheryl Feld, managed by her sister, Donna Wright. Voted “BEST OF THE BEST” by Dan’s Papers in 2011 and 2012.
Then go west to the idyllic town of Southold and get inspired at Complement The Chef on Main Street, owned by the Shannon family. Purchase some tableware, cookware, table linens, and household goods for the gourmet cook in your family. Choose from the superb collection of designer jewelry at Robert’s Jewelers located in Feather Hill Shopping Center off the Main Road, owned by Robert Scott since 1985.
Stroll down romantic Love Lane in the sleepy, laid-back town of Mattituck featuring cute shops with exquisite gifts, fine cheeses, delicious chocolates, and a great bookstore. Enjoy charming Bauer’s Love Lane Shoppe, founded by Lauretta Bauer, now owned by Pat Moriarty, featuring bags, scarves, soaps, candles, jewelry, lamps, and more. Give a gift basket of luscious chocolates to your sweetheart from Love Lane Sweet Shoppe, owned by Jackie Wilsburg, who runs it together with her husband and two daughters. Take pleasure in the great assortment of cheeses from around the world at The Village Cheese Shop, owned by Rosemary Dougherty Batcheller and order a cheese platter or gift basket for the holidays. Browse through the wonderful selection of books for the bookworm in your family at BookHampton, the newest addition to the Southampton and East Hampton bookstores, all owned by Charline Spektor.
As you come into Jamesport, stop by the Jamesport Country Store in the Old Telephone Company Building on Main Road, owned by the Waldman family for 40 years. Enjoy a variety of vintage goods, handmade crafts, local photography, candles, soaps, books, old-fashioned toys, candy, and assorted collectibles and gifts.
Shopping for the holidays on the North Fork can be a delightful and enchanting experience, while avoiding the crowds at the large chain stores. Take a moment to stop at a few vineyards or farmstands along the way and explore the many historic towns dotting the North Fork. Discover the unique and beautiful gifts at the specialty shops, quaint boutiques, and local stores that are the essence of the North Fork.
Ruth Thomas, a freelance writer on the East End enjoys history, music, literature, art, nature, the beach, and her cute dachshund, Clancy. She can be contacted at [email protected]
